Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

No VA Coverage Of In Vitro Fertilization Leaves Disabled Veterans Struggling To Have Kids

In other veterans' health news, a Washington state VA hospital reports that mental health services are available more quickly, but that average wait times for primary-care appointments are up. And Cerner Corp., which just won a large contract to upgrade the Pentagon's electronic health records, says it has a model ready to go.

CBS News:
Disabled Veteran Denied Chance To Fulfill Family Dream
Many veterans depend on the VA for medical care. But some say that they are being denied a chance to fulfill their dreams because there is one battle wound for which the VA does not offer a solution. After two and a half years in the hospital and 30 surgeries, Kevin Jaye is out of the army but still dealing with the VA. (Martin, 8/5)

The Seattle Times:
Veterans' Wait Times Drop For Mental Health Services, But Rise For Primary Care
Despite a big push to hire more staff, Puget Sound VA officials say average wait times for a primary-care appointment rose during the past year from just under eight days to 11 days. But they have had greater success offering Western Washington veterans quick access to mental-health services. They say veterans typically are able to see a mental-health provider with little more than a one-day wait, far better than the national average of almost five days. (Bernton, 8/5)

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